
Goat-Rue
About Goat-Rue
Goat's Rue was fed to goats to increase milk production. It is no longer used as a feed for goats due to it containing rotenone. Devil's Shoestring refers to its long stringy roots. It's native to dry, open woods and best grown from seed. The flowers resemble sweet pea.
Taxonomy
Tephrosia virginiana
Tephrosia
Fabaceae
Fabales
Also known as
goat-rue, catgut, rabbit pea and Virginia tephrosia

How to care for Goat-Rue

How often to water your Goat-Rue

every 9
Goat-Rue needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesnāt get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot located in San Jose, California.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.
San Jose, California
51% Low

Finding light for Goat-Rue in your home

a window
Goat-Rue love being close to bright, sunny windows š.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to ensure it receives enough light to survive during this time of reduced sunlight intensity in San Jose, California ā .
Goat-Rue does not tolerate low-light š«.

How to fertilize Goat-Rue

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil itās likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Goat-Rue after it doubles in size or once a yearāwhichever comes first.

Goat-Rue is generally considered an easy-to-care-for plant and makes a great choice for beginners!
Water Needs
Goat-Rue prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Goat-Rue requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive šŖ. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home š”.
Toxicity
Goat-Rue is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Soil
Goat-Rue does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Fertilizer
Goat-Rue should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as itās refreshed yearly, you shouldnāt need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Goat-Rue grows along the ground and sends out shoots which will spread across the soil.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Goat-Rue can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 3a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Goat-Rue can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Goat-Rue
Goat-Rue
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on your location in San Jose, California, the 4ā pot your plant is in, and that it doesnāt get direct sunlight.
